Nicki's March Mom of the Month

Name: Sharel Nelson Hometown: Madison, WI (born and raised) Occupation: currently a stay at home mom and daycare provider after teaching in the Madison schools for 15 years Children: 3, Conrad 9, Riley 6 1/2 and Clara 15 months How you decided to Cloth Diaper? There was never really a thought to do anything else :) It seemed like the right thing to do and it was what I was most familiar with. What types of cloth diapers do you use? Nicki's micro inserts w/ Wonder warps and Best Bottoms, DryBees Pocket diapers and GroBaby biodegradable soaker pads with both wraps What is your favorite cloth diaper and why? I like the Wonder Wraps but LOVE Best Bottoms! Both are adjustable (a plus) but the Best Bottoms wipe up a bit easier between washings What is your favorite non-mommy related activity or hobby? I love to catch 30 minutes on our elliptical singing out loud to tunes on my I-Pod. Meeting girlfriends at some of our wonderful coffee shops is a treat I try to indulge in as well. If I can squeeze in a few free minutes I love to try my hand at photography for homemade cards. Most of what I do, I do with our kiddos. We love to roller blading, ice skating, sledding, swimming, biking, hiking, boating, taking the dogs to the dog park, crafts, etc.

What type of music do you play in the car when you don't have your children? I listen to the same with kids as without kids, only louder. We have an eclectic mix of Joss Stone, Bob Marley, Nitty Gritty Dirt band, Jimmy Buffet and Peter, Paul and Mary

What would you tell someone who is just starting out? Try a few different styles, don't commit to one right out of the gate, be flexible. Take your time to get on a schedule for washing and ask lots of questions of friends who CD and of the great staff at Nicki's. Anything else we should know about you? I love the products at Nicki's and am so glad you have a West Madison store :) I am addicted to the Planet Wise wet/dry bags. Everyone in the family now has one for swimming season--ONE bag for wet and dry stuff, yeah!

I am a baby wearer through and through! I wear my 15 month old daily, and have since she was little. With older brothers we are on the go. I have a Moby, Maya ring sling, Kangaroo Pouch, Ergo and Kelty framed backpack. Other swim team families were always curious to see which one she would be in during the summer meets. She napped and watched in them, allowing me to be there to see her brother swim in every event. I wear the 9 month old I care for as well. I am proof that you can teach an "old mommy" new tricks. I am trying so many new and different things this time around than when I had our 1st two kiddos, 9 and almost 7 years ago. With three kids I want to accomplish several things through cloth diapering: save some money, limit our footprint on the environment and add to my daughter's health (lessening diaper rash and exposure to disposable diaper gels). I also LOVE hanging our clothes on the line to dry and the diapers only add 1-2 more loads a week. I love when people say, "you're using cloth?" it gives me the opportunity to talk a little about the great benefits and easy usability. I also get to talk about Nicki's Diapers:)